The sought-after “Blue Peter” 50p, created to mark the London 2012 Olympic Games, recently fetched £220 on eBay after attracting 10 bids. Another example of the coin has previously sold for as much as £286.

Designed by Florence Jackson, the winning entrant of a Blue Peter competition, the coin features a high jump athlete and was first released in 2009 ahead of the London Olympics.

Although around 20,000 of the coins were minted, they were never officially released into general circulation. Despite this, collectors believe many have since entered everyday use, meaning some could still be sitting unnoticed in loose change across the UK.

(Image: PA)

The coins were originally sold for £1.09, but their rarity and Olympic connection have significantly boosted their value among collectors.

Experts say anyone with old 50p coins should check their designs carefully, as rare editions like the Blue Peter coin can be worth far more than their face value.

Five Incredibly Rare and Valuable British Coins

What makes a coin valuable?

The 50 pence piece has become the most valued and collected coin in the UK, with many collectable designs appearing on its heptagonal canvas.

Its 27.5mm diameter makes it the largest of any British coin, and allows space for decorative pictures. It has often been used to celebrate big events over the past 50 years of British history.

The rarest coins tend to be of the greatest value, with the mintage (number of coins with each design made) being the fundamental attraction for collectors.

Along with the design, other aspects of the coin which increase value are the condition of the coin and whether it has an error in its design.

The way in which it is sold can also determine the coin’s value – while some coin collectors will bid vast amounts of money on eBay or at auction, others opt for more robust valuations by selling via a coin dealer.

Royal Mint top 10 most valuable 50p coins

Here is a list of the top 10 most valuable coins, when they were made and how many were minted:

1. Atlantic Salmon (2023), 200,000
2. Kew Gardens (2009), 210,000
3. Olympic Wrestling (2011), 1,129,500
4. Olympic Football (2011), 1,161,500
5. Olympic Judo (2011), 1,161,500
6. Olympic Triathlon (2011), 1,163,500
7. Peter Rabbit (2018), 1,400,000
8. Flopsy Bunny (2018), 1,400,000
9. Olympic Tennis (2011), 1,454,000
10. Olympic Goalball (2011), 1,615,500

The change, which came into effect on Friday, May 1, gives tenants in the private rented sector in England the legal right to request permission to keep pets in their rented homes.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse pet requests, marking a significant shift for Oxfordshire renters who have long faced blanket pet bans.

David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, said: “This is an historic day for pet ownership.

“For too long, renters in England have been unfairly denied the potential joy of pet ownership.

“That ends thanks to this new law.

“This change is a lifeline – not just for families wanting to add a loving pet to the household, but for the many thousands of animals currently stuck in many full to bursting centres, who will now have many new opportunities to find loving adopters.

“Pet ownership is such a big commitment – but can be so rewarding.

“At the RSPCA, we are celebrating that the Renters’ Rights Act will facilitate happier, healthier tenants right across the country – and help us tackle a pet rehoming crisis.”

The charity has described the new law as an opportunity to ‘revolutionise’ pet ownership and believes it will give more animals a chance of finding a home, especially as many of its centres are currently at full capacity.

In recent weeks, the RSPCA has worked with the UK Government to highlight the impact the change could have for prospective pet owners.

The legislation also promises relief for current pet owners who often face the tough decision of giving up their animals to secure housing.

Mr Bowles said this scenario has been all too common.

He said: “There are gut-wrenching examples of people having to surrender their pets to access somewhere to live, because their tenancy agreement will not allow pets.

“Thankfully, those situations too will soon be a thing of the past.”

Among the animals who may benefit from the new law is Sweeny, a Mastiff who has spent nearly a year at the RSPCA’s Newbrook Farm Animal Centre in Birmingham.

Brittanny Baker, animal care assistant, said: “He’s been with us for 11 months now but he is constantly overlooked by potential adopters which breaks my heart.

“Sweeny may be a big boy, but he’s certainly got a big heart.

“He’s goofy, playful and loveable. He learns fast and enjoys training as well as quiet walks out, and playing in the off-lead paddock.”

More information about the RSPCA’s work and its Good Practice Guide for the housing sector can be found on the charity’s website.

Anthony Alce, 78, who lives at Iris Hayter House in Littlemore, was invited by Oxford City Football Club to attend their final home game of the season, where he was given a tour of the ground and the chance to meet club staff.

Mr Alce, who has a schizophrenia diagnosis and uses a wheelchair, described the experience as ‘amazing’.

He said: “It was an amazing experience from start to finish.

“Everyone was so welcoming, and it meant a lot to feel included and part of such a big matchday.

“The club and everyone involved were brilliant, and I’m really grateful to everyone who made it happen.”

Mr Alce said the support he receives from staff at Iris Hayter House, which is run by Response, makes a huge difference to his daily life.

He said: “Response is vital to me, they help me with my mobility but also reduce my feelings of loneliness because I’m surrounded by likeminded and supportive people.”

Based in Littlemore, Response supports more than 350 adults in supported accommodation across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire, including Iris Hayter House.

Oxford City’s head of media Andy Gate said: “It was fantastic to welcome Anthony to the MGroup Stadium.

“Oxford City FC is a truly community-focused club, and the work Response does to support those suffering with mental health challenges in the local community is exceptional.”

Further information about Response can be found at response.org.uk.